In the final episode of Season One, we focus on how to reduce energy use, save money on your utility bills, and make your home more comfortable. Nolan Sagan, Sustainability Coordinator for the City of Ames, returns to the podcast. He is joined by DiMaucia Phanfil from Green Iowa AmeriCorps. Together, they explain how free home energy audits work, what common problems they find in local homes, and how the City’s rebate program can help residents take action.

Episode Highlights:

What a free home energy audit includes and how to sign up

Common sources of energy loss in Ames homes

How rebates support improvements such as new appliances and insulation

Small changes that can lead to big savings

A look ahead to a public event focused on understanding your utility bill

Important reminders about City office closures and Library events during the holiday week

Helpful Links:

Free Home Energy Audits: greeniowaamericorps.org/energyaudit

Ames Electric Services Rebates: CityofAmes.org/Sustainability

Programming Notes:

This week on Up Close, host Casandra Eames welcomes back three familiar voices: Daniel Pixley, Julie Saxton, and Jonathan Anderson. In this special reunion episode, the guests meet each other for the first time and share thoughtful, funny, and revealing reflections on life in Ames.

From their personal faith journeys to what keeps drawing them back to this community, Daniel, Julie, and Jonathan open up about the work they do and the unique ways Ames has shaped their stories. They also each share a “hidden gem” in town, those special spots that make Ames feel like home.

Whether you’re a longtime resident or new to the area, this episode is a warm reminder of the connections that thrive in our city.

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The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not reflect the views of the City of Ames or its employees.

In this episode of Ames in Focus, we take a closer look at ASSET, the Analysis of Social Services Evaluation Team. Assistant City Manager Pa Vang Goldbeck joins us to explain how this local partnership works to fund essential human services throughout Story County.

Launched in 1985, ASSET brings together the City of Ames, Story County, United Way of Story County, and Iowa State University Student Government to evaluate funding requests and support programs that meet real community needs. From mental health care and food assistance to housing and child care, these investments touch the lives of thousands of residents.

We explore how the funding process works, the key role of trained volunteers, and how residents can get involved in shaping the local safety net.

ASSET's mission:

Who is involved:

Scale of support:

Decision-making process:

Services funded:

How to learn more:

Be sure to subscribe for more conversations about the people and partnerships shaping Ames.

In this heartfelt episode of Up Close, host Casandra Eames sits down for the first time with Jonathan Anderson, a creative soul with deep roots in Ames. Born into a large family and homeschooled through his formative years, Jonathan shares stories of growing up in a bustling household, the simple pleasures he once took for granted (like vegetables!), and how those early experiences shaped the journey he’s on today.

Together, Casandra and Jonathan explore the intersection of memory, identity, and imagination. They talk about the role movies have played in his life, the joys and challenges of being a creative person, and the unexpected paths that lead us to where we are.

Whether you're from a big family, a fellow homeschooler, or just someone who appreciates a good story, this episode will leave you feeling inspired and a little more up close to the people around you.

Want to be featured on Up Close?

The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not reflect the views of the City of Ames or its employees.

In this episode of Ames in Focus, we step into the world of live events, historic venues, and community connection with Craig Kaufman, who manages the Ames City Auditorium, Durham Bandshell, and other Parks and Recreation facilities. Craig shares what it takes to keep these spaces running year-round, from booking performances and supporting local groups to balancing indoor and outdoor programming.

Whether you're a music lover, community performer, or just curious about that big stage downtown, this episode gives you a behind-the-scenes look at one of Ames’s cultural gems.

Episode Highlights:

A brief history and unique features of the Ames City Auditorium

What kinds of performances and events are hosted throughout the year

The role of the Durham Bandshell in summer programming

How the City partners with schools, nonprofits, and community groups

Managing the logistics and planning of public venues

Accessibility, amenities, and how residents can book or attend events

Future upgrades and opportunities on the horizon for these facilities

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In this episode of Up Close, host Casandra Eames sits down with Julie Saxton, whose story in Ames spans more than three decades. Casandra and Julie talk about how they first met, what originally brought Julie to Ames, and how her path through various roles eventually led her to her current position as the Mental Health Advocate for the Ames Police Department.

They explore the winding route of public service, the quiet impact of long-term community work, and the way Julie’s curiosity, especially for obscure bits of knowledge, has shaped how she approaches her life and career. Julie also shares her pick for the best view in Ames, and why, after all these years, this town still feels like home.

If you'd like to be featured on Up Close, contact Casandra Eames in the City Manager’s Office or email her at [email protected].

The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not reflect the views of the City of Ames or its employees.

This week on Ames in Focus, we welcome back LeAnn Hawk, Aquatics Manager for Ames Parks and Recreation, for a splashy update on all things aquatics. From lifeguard recruitment to swim lessons that double as the perfect holiday gift, LeAnn dives into the many ways the community can get involved in the water.

With job openings now live at both the Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center and Furman Aquatic Center, there are opportunities for everyone, whether you're a teen, college student, or retiree looking to stay active and connected. Plus, we talk about the big transition: the final swim lessons at ISU State Gym before everything moves full time to the brand new Fitch facility.

Whether you’re looking to make a difference poolside or just need a last-minute gift that actually matters, this episode has something for you.

Highlights:

🌊 Job opportunities at Fitch and Furman Aquatic Centers

🛟 No certifications? No problem, training is provided

🎓 Who should apply, from students to retirees

🎁 Swim lessons as meaningful holiday gifts

📅 Last swim session at ISU starts January 18

🏊‍♀️ What to expect from the new Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center

In this episode of Up Close, host Casandra Eames sits down with Daniel Pixley, whose journey started in Ames before taking him across borders. Casandra and Daniel reflect on what it means to live in different parts of the world, and how two people from very different places ended up meeting at Iowa State University.

They talk about the rhythm of life in Ames, from early mornings at the Main Street Farmers’ Market to the quiet, steady pull the city has on those who’ve called it home. Daniel shares what keeps drawing him back to Ames, and why, even after time away, it still feels like the place he belongs.

If you'd like to be featured on Up Close, contact Casandra Eames in the City Manager’s Office or email her at [email protected].

The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not reflect the views of the City of Ames or its employees.

In this episode of Ames in Focus, we zoom in on the Ames Public Library and how community support turns a great library into something extraordinary. From career journeys to curated booklists, it’s a behind-the-scenes look at what makes the library tick and how you can be part of it.

You’ll learn how donations fuel programs like the IDEA Center, youth outreach, and tech resources, and how the Ames Public Library Friends Foundation keeps it all running. We also talk holiday shopping with a twist: library-branded tees, gift certificates, and staff-picked booklists that double as great presents and subtle literacy encouragement.

Plus, hear about a clever tool for making smarter buying decisions with free access to Consumer Reports through your library card. And discover how even a small donation can help keep library magic going all year long.

What’s Inside:

How community support powers beyond-the-basics library services

The Foundation’s role in fundraising and outreach

Booklists tailored for readers of all ages and picky gift recipients

Local library-themed merch that gives back

Gift certificates from Literary Grounds Bookstore

Why Consumer Reports access is your new secret shopping weapon

How to donate, get involved, and make a difference

Explore More:

Don’t Miss Out:

In this episode of Up Close, host Casandra Eames welcomes back three recent guests: Dylan Kline, Sarah Huffman, and Angie DeWaard. Together, they reflect on the themes that connect their stories, including community, curiosity, and care.

Casandra shares the threads she noticed across their conversations, from volunteering and raising kids to the small but meaningful ways people find connection in Ames. The group talks about what draws them to seek out new experiences, how the community shows up for one another, and what it means to build a life here.

If you'd like to be featured on Up Close, contact Casandra Eames in the City Manager’s Office or email her at [email protected].

The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not reflect the views of the City of Ames or its employees.